If you get hurt in an accident with an emergency vehicle and you believe that the driver of that vehicle is to blame for your injuries, it would make sense to sue them for damages. It’s not always that easy though. Accidents involving an emergency vehicle can make for complex personal injury cases, so it’s a good idea to talk to our Monmouth County car accident attorneys before you do anything. We can hear you out and tell you more about the next steps to take.
Can the Owners and Drivers of an Emergency Vehicle Be Sued For Damages?
Yes, it is possible to sue the driver of an emergency vehicle or the owner of the vehicle. However, you should know about how complications could arise. The first potential issue is the “doctrine of sovereign immunity.” Essentially, if an emergency vehicle was responding to a call with lights and sirens on, then it’s going to be nearly impossible to recover damages. The driver is protected because the driver was responding to an emergency.
Who owns the vehicle can also be an issue. There are private ambulance companies, but many emergency vehicles are going to be owned by a government entity. There are different rules about suing the government and you have a short time to act.
How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action After an Accident With an Emergency Vehicle?
When you are suing a private company or citizen after an accident, you have two years to take legal action. This seems like a long time, but we still recommend acting as quickly as possible. File a case after this deadline passes and it’s likely to just be thrown out.
If the defendant is the government, the rules are different. You cannot sue right away. First, you must send them a notice of claim, making the government aware of your intent to sue. You have just 90 days to do this!
Should I Talk to a Lawyer About My Accident?
This is why it’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer soon after your accident. They can help you determine who owns the emergency vehicle and how your lawsuit can proceed. You do not want to miss your chance to claim compensation because you weren’t aware of how lawsuits against the government work. Your attorney can help you build a case and ensure that you do not miss any important deadlines.
Meet With Our Legal Team
So if you have been hurt in an accident with an emergency vehicle, do not waste any time. Contact the Wilton Law Firm and ask to schedule a free case consultation. There is no obligation, so take the time to learn more about the potential value of your case today.
